The Use of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) in Skin Scar Treatment—A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

In recent years, lipofilling became a popular scar treatment method. Its beneficial outcomes have been partly attributed to the regenerative capacity of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), suspended in an extracellular matrix—the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). The aim of this review was to verify if existing data support the clinical use of ADSC-related interventions in scar treatment. A systematic search of the literature was performed in July 2020 in five databases (Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase). Articles written in English, except for reviews, letters and editorials, were identified and screened for eligibility. We looked for reports of any outcomes in scars treated with ADSCs or SVF. Data from selected articles were extracted and the quality of each study was assessed. Five hundred and fourteen studies were identified in the primary search, of which nineteen were eventually included in the systematic review. Extracted data pointed to beneficial microscopic, functional and aesthetic outcomes in a total of 665 patients. Six studies included comparative interventions—platelet-rich plasma or CO2 fractional laser. Collected data give low-to-average quality evidence for beneficial effects of ADSC-related interventions in scar treatment. Some studies suggest that these interventions are noninferior to PRP or fractional CO2 laser.

The Effect of the CO2 Fractional Laser or Premarin Vaginal Cream on Improving Sexual Function in Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is a complex problem in postmenopausal women with a prevalence rate of 68%-86%. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a fractional CO2 laser or vaginal cream on the improvement of sexual function in menopausal women. Methods: This is a two-group clinical trial study. Postmenopausal women with the inclusion criterion were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups of intervention (n=25) and control group (n=25). In the intervention group, CO2 laser therapy was performed every month for three months, and in the control group, Premarin vaginal cream was applied (0.625 mg, 3 nights a week for 3 months. Vaginal health index (VHI) scoring and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires were completed before and three months after the treatment. Results: The effects of the laser treatment were greater than the Premarin group with respect to improvement in sexual desire, orgasms, sexual satisfaction, less pain during sexual relations, and overall sexual function (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the fractional CO2 laser may be more effective than hormonal therapy in improving sexual function in postmenopausal women.

Combination of Amniotic Membrane Stem Cell Metabolite Product (AMSC-MP) and Vitamin E for Photoaging

Background: It is hypothesized that combination of amniotic membrane stem cell metabolite product (AMSC-MP) and vitamin E after fractional CO2 laser as laser assisted drug delivery (LADD) provides better long-term effects on clinical improvement of photoaging. This is promising as an option for photoaging therapy in the future. Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate long-term effects of improving the degree of wrinkles, polarized black spots, ultraviolet (UV) black spots, pores, and skin tones in subjects who have received a topical mixture of AMSC-MP with vitamin E and CO2 fractional laser as LADD. Methods: Thirty adult women with photoaging who had been treated with topical AMSC-MP mixed therapy with vitamin E and CO2 fractional laser three times, were then given maintenance therapy, tretinoin cream 0.025% and sunscreen SPF 30. Observation of improvement of wrinkles, polarized black spots, UV black spots, pores, and skin tones were performed computer-stimulated photographs, Janus-II Facial Skin Scope System, three times every month for three months after the last treatment. Results: The evaluation of wrinkles, polarized black spots, UV dark spots, pores and skin tones from the assessment for three months after being receiving treatment of a topical mixture of AMSC-MP with vitamin E and CO2 fractional laser as LADD on photoaging obtained p>0.05. Conclusion: There was a long-term effect of the topical mixture of AMSC-MP with vitamin C and CO2 fractional laser on photoaging, and there was no side effect observed.